Viewers fell in love with Linnethia “NeNe” Leakes when she made her reality television debut on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008. The Athens, Georgia raised starlet is one of the few reality queens to transition to Broadway with roles in Cinderella and Chicago, and Hollywood, appearing on television shows Glee, The New Normal, and Celebrity Apprentice.
For better or worse, the brand of RHOA is still associated with Leakes, and for good reason. Leakes was part of the main cast for seven consecutive seasons before taking a two-year break and returning for season 10.
Unfortunately, her journey with the franchise ended in 2020 after season 12. Later, Leakes sued super producer Andy Cohen, Bravo, NBCUniversal, and affiliated production companies Truly Original and True Entertainment, citing discrimination and unfair treatment.
Carlos King secured an exclusive interview with the controversial figure on his podcast Reality with the King, available on YouTube. Some surprising revelations were made in the tea-sipping chat. Check them out below:
When RHOA Became Fake
The dynamics of RHOA and reality television in general has changed significantly from its grassroots beginnings. Slow-drip drama in the form of unraveling relationships and uncomfortable scenarios were organic and authentic at one point in time. However, even RHOA has faced allegations of contrived storylines, something Leakes surprisingly admits occurred for the Peaches upon Kenya Moore’s induction to RHOA.
“I think [RHOA] started to really change in season four for me,” Leakes said. “Once Kenya [Moore] came on the show — I’m not saying that Kenya started it or did it — at that moment, it started to be, ‘Let’s create our storyline.’ We didn’t create a storyline, we just showed up to work and was just filming and being who we are.’”
Listen To Walter Jackson Discuss His Arrangement With Kenya Moore
Housewives Didn’t Start Off As Rich B******
Perception was not reality for the original cast of RHOA. Although the ladies were looking rich and fabulous, their paychecks reflected otherwise. The first three seasons didn’t earn the OG cast much. It wasn’t until the fourth season when the ladies enlisted attorneys to conduct their negotiating that they finally received paychecks over $100k.
“My first season of ‘Housewives’ I made $10,000,” Leakes said. “They gave us $5,000 for the reunion. So, we had very little money.”
Watch: ‘RHOA’ Star Cynthia Bailey Tells Her Side
NeNe Reveals Name Of Big Poppa’s Wife
When real life is stranger than fiction it makes the tea extra hot. RHOA followed Kim Zolciak’s mysterious relationship with Big Poppa, a married man who would shower Zolciak with gifts in the first few seasons of RHOA. King asked Leakes about her infamous “Close your legs to married men” taunt towards Zolciak and her response to viewers who criticized Leakes for dating a legally married man years later. In the process of defending her relationship with ex-boyfriend Nyonisela Sioh, Leakes revealed the name of Big Poppa’s wife. Get this — it’s Kimberly.
“I was dating a man who was legally married going through a divorce,” Leakes said. “I don’t think Big Poppa has ever been divorced. In fact, he’s back with his wife. I just saw him in Miami…‘Hi Kimberly.’”
The Alleged Backstory Of Big Poppa
The sequel to Leakes interview with King will release on Tuesday, Aug. 1. In the meantime, check out the mid-season trailer of RHOA, season 15.
